Indoor Air Quality Complaints: What Building Managers Should Check

A frequently repeated “30% of buildings” figure is not a current measure of commercial buildings. Useful indoor air quality decisions start with the actual conditions and concerns at your site.

Where the historical statistic came from

The US EPA’s 1991 Sick Building Syndrome factsheet cited a 1984 WHO committee report suggesting that up to 30% of new and remodelled buildings worldwide could experience excessive indoor air quality complaints. It did not say that 30% of all buildings currently have a diagnosed air quality problem.

Take complaints seriously without guessing the cause

Record where and when concerns occur, whether they change with occupancy or equipment operation, and any visible moisture or odour. Headaches or irritation have many possible causes; a building investigation is not a medical diagnosis.

Check ventilation, moisture and pollutant sources

Review outdoor-air supply, filter condition, leaks, condensate drainage, cleaning chemicals and nearby activities. A clean duct is only one part of the indoor environment; source control and adequate ventilation may also be needed.

Choose an assessment with a clear purpose

Agree which concern indoor air quality testing is intended to investigate. Sampling methods, locations and interpretation should fit the site rather than promise a universal healthy-building certificate.

Keep a record of findings and action

Keep the agreed scope, service date, before-and-after photographs, PDF report, inaccessible sections and recommended follow-up together. A service report documents the work completed; the insurer, auditor or relevant authority determines whether it meets their requirements.

Arrange a commercial service

Clean Air Filtration provides commercial HVAC duct cleaning in Melbourne and Victoria. Tell us your site location, system details, access restrictions and operating hours so we can discuss the cleaning scope. Call (03) 9303 9661 or email sales@cleanair.com.au.

Every client receives a client portal, including one-off services. Completed-service PDF reports and job photos are available there. See our service records guide for what to keep with your maintenance history.

Cover image: AI-generated editorial illustration of representative equipment or premises, not a client-site photograph.